04 Jun 2013

Stanbic Bank Botswana has launched a charity ride, an initiative that forms part of continuing efforts by the bank to leave a positive footprint in communities across the nation.

The charity ride will see the bank’s chief executive officer, Mr Leina Gabaraane and five members of his management team cycle from Ghanzi to Gaborone in a bid to raise funds for charity organisations.

The team left for Ghanzi on May 31 and began the 710 kilometres ride on June 1. It is expected to arrive in Gaborone on June 5. From Ghanzi, the team would travel along the Trans-Kalahari Highway and have four overnight stops at camping and lodging spots along the route over the five-day ride.

Mr Gabaraane told a press conference that launching the charity ride was premised on the idea to allow the bank to be proactive from all levels. On the main, he said the charity ride sought to raise funds for various local charities in order to continue contributing to the betterment of the local community.

He also noted that those who would benefit from the proceeds would only be announced after the completion of the ride. “Going forward, our intension is to have this charity ride as an annual event. We did not want to open it too wide currently, because we are mindful of the costs,” he added.

Stanbic bank had so far managed to raise P400 000 for the charity ride, though they initially aimed to raise at least P500 000. He added that the bank had also pledged P150 000 and would incur all costs associated with the event, with sponsorships and donations from customers and various stakeholders having been solicited.  ENDS